Effects of farmers’ demographic factors on the adoption of grain

Research on Humanities and Social Sciences www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-5766(Paper) ISSN 2225-0484(Online)
Vol.2, No.6, 2012

Effects of Farmers’ Demographic Factors on the Adoption of Grain
Storage Technologies Developed by Nigerian Stored Products
Research Institute (NSPRI): A case study of selected villages in Ilorin
West LGA of Kwara State.
O.A Atibioke1*, I. Ogunlade2, A. A. Abiodun1, B. A. Ogundele1, M. A. Omodara1, and A. R. Ade1.
1. Nigerian Stored Product Research Institute, P. M. B. 1489, Ilorin, Nigeria
2. Department of Agricultural Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria.
* Email of corresponding author: deolatibioke@yahoo.com

Abstract
This study was carried out to identify the factors that determine farmers’ adoption of NSPRI grain storage
technologies in selected villages of Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State. Data used were collected
from a total of 120 respondents who were randomly selected from 6 villages of the Local Government Area. 10% of
all the farmers in each of the villages were interviewed. The variables examined in the study are sex, age, marital
status, primary occupation, secondary occupation, level of education, number of dependents, years of farming, farm
size, years of grain production, means of farm land acquisition and types of grain produced. Descriptive statistics and
logistic regression model were used to analyze data. The inferential statistical tool used indicated significant
relationship between sex and NSPRI grain storage technologies’ adoption. Level of education and occupation were
also significantly related to adoption of NSPRI grains storage technologies. This study recommends a wholesome
dissemination model that will benefit both educated and uneducated farmer and also the involvement of farmers’
group or representatives in participatory approach of technology development, introduction and use.
Keywords: Education, farming, occupation, participatory development, logit regression model.

1. Introduction
The increase in food production awareness in Nigeria and the world in general calls for an equal awareness on
adequate storage of agricultural produce in order to achieve food security. Although the rate of growth in agricultural
production stagnated and failed to keep up with the need of the increasing population of Nigeria, it has remained a
crucial sector in Nigeria (Jubrin, 2007). Considering the contribution of agriculture to food and life security, storage
is important. The necessity for food storage is food security. Food security; “access by all at all times to enough food
for an active, healthy life” is an important commitment for every nation (World Bank Policy Study, 1998). The
Nigerian food security programme is centered on three tier grain storage; strategic grain reserve, buffer stock and on
farm storage which mandated farmers to store 85% of grain required for food security needs (Olumeko 1998).
Grains are staple food. They are consumed by humans and livestock. The major grain crops cultivated in Nigeria are
maize, rice, millet, guinea corn, cowpea and soya beans. The Nigerian government in recent years has provided
incentives to the rural farmers which has tremendously increased the grain production output per hectare in the rural
area. A large proportion of the population continues to remain dependent on agriculture with production pattern being
governed by food requirement for home consumption (Olumeko, 1991). The increase in yield through improved
cropping systems and the introduction of high yielding varieties has re-emphasized the need for more resources to
prevent post harvest losses (Adejumo and Raji, 2007).
The traditional grain storage structures in different parts of Nigeria are made of varying locally available materials.
Usually, the types of locally available materials indicate the type of structures. The structures are usually made of
paddy straws, split or whole bamboo poles, reeds, ropes, mud bricks etc. Most of the structures are usually
constructed at the beginning of harvesting season. The time of harvesting vary slightly throughout the

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agro-climatological zones usually between the month of August and January. The grains are stored either in threshed
or unthreshed forms. (Igbeka and Olumeko, 1996).
The main objectives of grain storage are to maintain the quality of the produce for a long time. The basic
requirements of every grain storage structure or system are to protect the grains from insects, rodents, and prevent
deterioration of the grains by activities of microorganisms (Hall, 1970).
Storage is an important activity which enhances marketing efficiency by providing utility. Storage is particularly
important in agriculture because agricultural commodities are not spread throughout the year. In this circumstance,
there is need to meet average demand by storing excess supply during the harvesting season for gradual release to the
market during off season periods. In the process, seasonal prices are stabilized. (Adejumo and Raji, 2007)
Over the years agricultural extensionists and economists have shown interest and studied the importance of farmers’
adoption of new agricultural technologies. The concentration of some studies have been on the theory of adoption
processes, some on identifying significant characteristics associated with adopters and non-adopters. Also some
recent studies took a novel approach to investigate factors influencing technologies adoption while some others
studied the rate of adoption of agricultural technologies. Generally, researchers and extensionists are often frustrated
by slower than expected adoption levels of agricultural technologies. Slow rates of adoption cause a loss of potential
benefit of sustainable practices to growers and the public. This is the main reason why so much attention has been
given to try and understand what drives adoption of new technologies among farmers (Pannell et al. 2006 and Rogers,
2005).
Adoption of technology is the decision to make full use of a new idea as the best course of action available and
involves a change in the orientation and behaviour of the farmer from the time he/she becomes aware of the
technology to its adoption (Akubuilo et al., 2005). Oladele( 2005), cited Rogers saying adoption of technologies
refers to the decision to apply innovation and to continue to use it. Factors such as age, farming experience, training
received, socio-economic status, cropping intensity, aspiration, economic motivation, innovativeness, source of
information and agent credibility have been found to have positive and significant association with adoption (Rao
and Rao, 1996). Moreover characteristics of change agents or advocates for the techno logy such as competency,
credibility, communication ability and confidence are identified as factors which influence adoption (Rogers, 2005
and Okunade, 2006, Polson and Spencer 1991). Agbamu’s (1993) finding states that farmers’ knowledge of
technology made contribution to its adoption. Arene, (1940) reported a positive and significant relationship between
family size and adoption. Sanginga (1995) found a positive significant relationship between extension contact and
farmers adoption of technologies. Burkman, (1987) postulated that opinions, needs and perceptions of potential
adopters are the primary forces that influence adoption. According to Rogers (1995), technology characteristics are
the degree to which a technology is perceived as being better than the idea it supersedes, (relative advantage)
consistency with the existing values and experiences (compatibility), difficulty to understand or use (complexity),
availability to use on a limited basis (triability) and visibility to others (Observability).
Technology means materials, artefacts, machines and other physical devices and products. Agricultural technology is
understood in its broad sense to encompass plant varieties, animal breeds, farming practices, agricultural production,
processing tools, specific mental constructs, cultural codes, forms of management and cooperation (Okali, 1994).
Technology adopters are categorized into two; instrumentalists believe that the causes of change are in human
aspirations and social conditions for change and improvement(Surry and Farquar, 1997) whereas determinists
assumed that successful adoption is as a result of technology’s superiority (Kaplan, 1996).
Post harvest facilities or appropriate storage technology has been the major problem of Nigeria agriculture for a long
time. This has resulted in considerable waste of agricultural output and hence considerable loss to the economy.
Nigeria is losing about 2.4 billion tonnes of food yearly to poor harvest and storage facilities (Olumeko, 1999). The
losses were mainly in maize, rice, sorghum, millet, cowpea, groundnuts, soya beans, yam, cassava, plantain and
fruits. In monetary term, the country is losing a total of N48 billion annually on post harvest losses. It has been
observed that different localities in Nigeria have peculiar storage methods depending on the types of crop grown.
(Adesida, 1988).
A technical survey of all the village level of grain storage structures existing in the Sudan Savannah Climate zone in
Nigeria has been undertaken. Preliminary investigation result shows that the common grain storage structures

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existing in this zone are the mud rhombus, thatched rhombus, underground pit and earthen pot and ware house
storage. Most of these structures have defects. There is therefore need for some technical improvement on
construction materials, elevation and loading/unloading facilities. The farmers show willingness in adopting new
storage techniques provided such structures are cheap and affordable (Adejumo and Raji, 2007).
In line with the need to provide the needed technical improvement in grain storage structures, the Nigerian Stored
Products Research Institute an organ of government saddled with the responsibility of reducing post harvest losses in
food crops through research and development of appropriate technologies have introduce some grain technologies.
These grain technologies that have been disseminated to farmers include the hermetic storage (for household storage
of grains), maize crib for the storage of maize on cob (unshelled maize), improved ware house storage and inert
atmosphere storage. (NSPRI guide, 2000 and Post harvest News, 2011) The grain storage technologies examined in
this study include, air tight container (hermetic storage), crib (out door or on farm storage), grain stores, fumigants
and polypropylene lined bag.
The main objective of this study was to examine demographic factors affecting farmers’ adoption of selected NSPRI
grain storage technologies in the study area in relation to the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers and
suggest possible dissemination method that will improve the adoption of appropriate technologies by farmers.

2. Methodology

2.1The study Area
The study area was Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State Nigeria. It is one of the 16 Local
Government Areas in the State. The people are predominantly farmers and they produce crops like maize, cocoa,
yam, cassava, guinea corn, beans, millet, tomatoes, pepper and vegetables. The respondents were farmers at different
levels of grain production. They were selected randomly from six villages of the local government area namely,
Olatunji, Oshin Kawu, Bude Are, Oshin Alagbado, Oshin Aremu and Idi –Omi.

2.2. Data Collection
Simple random sampling technique (selection without any plan or system) was used. A total of 120 farmers were
interviewed from the selected villages. To be eligible for interview, the farmers must have been actively involved in
farming activities in the area. The questions in the interview schedule were made simple and translated to farmers in
their various local languages at the point of information and data collection. The interview schedule was directed
towards the farmers. A well structured open ended and close ended set of questions were put in the instrument.
Questions were asked on farmers’ personal socio-economic characteristics. Other information provided by the
farmers were; farmers’ technology assessment, constraints and farmers’ adoption of NSPRI grain storage
technologies.

2.2 NSPRI Grain Technologies used by farmers
2.2.1 Hermetic storage
This is the use of air tight containers to store grains. This is usually used to keep enough quantities to be used by the
house hold. Grains to be stored in air tight containers should be adequately dried to the level that will prevent mould
growth. Containers used include plastic drums, used oil drums, pots and polythene bags.

2.2.2 Maize crib
This is used for the storage of maize on cob. It serves dual purpose of preserving the maize as well as providing a
means of drying the maize. Maize can be harvested from the farm with the moisture content still high as it is usually
the case in raining season maize production. The maize is stored in the cribs where the drying is done by the natural
movement of air in the crib. The use of crib has been found effective in the Southern and central part of Nigeria.

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However, maize must be treated with Actellic dust or Coopex dust to prevent insect infestation.

2.2.3 Grain stores
Shelled grains are stored in bags are arranged properly on pallets in the store. This is used for storing large quantity
of maize. The bags in stalks are arranged such that adequate spaces are provided for treatment and monitoring of the
consignments. Grains are protected from insect damage by admixing Actellic dust.

2.2.4 Polypropylene lined bags
Grains are stored in polypropylene lined bags to prevent insect infestations. This is used where quantities involved
are small.
These technologies have been proven and have been in use by farmers for some time.

2.3 Statistical Analysis
The analytical tools employed in this study were both the descriptive and inferential statistics. The descriptive
statistical tools used were frequency counts, percentages and means, while the inferential statistical tool used was the
logit regression model. This was meant to show the relationship between the dependent and the independent
variables in testing the null hypothesis. The logit regression model was used to analyze the factors which influence
the adoption of NSPRI grain storage technologies.
The models used for the logit regression analysis are as follows;
X1: Sex
X2: Age
X3: Marital status
X5: Occupation
X6: Level of education
X7: Years of farming
X8: Farm size
X9: Farm acquisition
X10: Years of grain production
X11: Awareness
X12: Types of grains produced
Y: Adoption
U: Random error
Y = (X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 X6 X7 X8 X9 X10 X11 X12 + U)
This statistical tool measures association of dependent variable with each independent variable. This tool is usually
employed when there are more than one independent variables associating with a dependent variable having
numerical values.
2.3.1 Test of hypothesis
H01: There is no independent or joint significant relationship between socio-economic status and adoption of NSPRI
grain storage technologies by farmers.

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3. Results and Discussion

3.1 Socio-economic profile of farmers on Adoption
Table 1 shows that respondents within the active age engage more in farming. Three- quarters (75%) of respondents
engaged in farming are within the age range of 30-50 years. Younger people are more likely to adopt improved
technological practices (Akubuilo, 1982). A significant percentage of respondents (75%) are married. Marriage
serves as a means of generating family labour and since women and children are able to participate in crop
production, processing and marketing, farming practices and use of technologies are related to marital status.
Owokunle (1983), agrees that majority of land development scheme participants in Kwara state of Nigeria receive
assistance from their wives and children to operate their farms. 68.3% of respondents were men while 31.7% were
women. Jibowo (1992) said men engage more in farming than women in Western Nigeria. The table also shows
distribution of respondents according to their level of education. More than two-thirds (70%) of respondents have
formal education ranging from adult literacy, primary education, secondary education to tertiary education while
30% have no formal education. Agbamu (1993) stated in his findings that farmers’ knowledge of innovations made
contribution to adoption.

3.2 Effects of demographic factors on adoption of NSPRI’s grain storage technology
The result of logistic regression model fitted is as summarized in Table 2.
The model Chi-square is the difference between – 2LL for the model with only a constant (base model) and - 2LL for
the current model.
As shown in Table 2, the logistic model explains 70% of total variables in adoption status of respondents. The
Chi-square statistics shows that three of the parameters included in the model were significantly different from zero
at 5% level. At this level, all specified variables namely, sex, occupation and level of education significantly affected
the adoption of NSPRI grain storage technologies. The study shows a significant relationship between occupation
and adoption of technologies. A total of 70% had formal education and logistic regression analysis shows significant
relationship between level of education and adoption
Expected β statistics suggested that odds in favour of adoption of NSPRI grain storage technologies increased by
0.459 for sex, 0.418 for occupation and 1.387 for level of education.
Y= X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 X6 X7 X8 X9 X10 X12+U
Y= dependent variable; adoption
X1 X2 X3------------------- Xn= independent variables
This shows that for the farmers that have adopted the technologies their level of education plays an important role
which is while the odds in favour of adoption of NSPRI grain storage technologies increased by 1.378 for level of
education. This result is in agreement with previous studies as pointed out by Jibowo (1992), more men engage in
farming activities than women confirming while sex is significantly related to adoption. This findings show there is
need for introduction of adult education programme as extension package for farmers. Extension needs equal if not
greater attention at farm level storage in relation to production. Incentives like subsidies, credits, inputs and loans
should be extended to farm level storage so as to sustain the Nigerian food security programme.

4. Conclusion and Recommendation
This study has shown that farmers are aware of NSPRI’s grain storage technologies. Farmers adoption of the
technologies examined are related to a number of socio-economic factors of which the occupation, sex and level of
education are the ones affecting the adoption of the technologies significantly. Since farming is a predominant
occupation in the study area, farmers needed to be trained on effective use of the grain storage technologies that has
been developed by the Institute. This may be through adult literacy classes. A wholesome dissemination approach
which can be beneficial to both the educated and the uneducated should be employed to facilitate better adoption by

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the farmers in the area. To ensure that research outputs are not confined to the shelves of researchers a participatory
approach in technology development and use should be adopted. This will ensure that problems that are targeted by
research emanated from farmers and as such solutions proffered are carried out with the interest of farmers at heart.

Acknowledgement
The Authors wish to appreciate Messer Oluyemi Atibioke for his moral support and the Villagers from the area of
study for their cooperation which led to the success of this research work.

References
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in South Western Nigeria. Unpublished PhD Thesis Submitted to the Department of Agricultural Engineering,
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Table 1: Percentage distribution of the respondents by personal and socio-economic characteristics (N=120)
Characteristics Percentage
Age Range
30-40 44.1
41-50 31.7
51-60 19.2
Above 60 5.0
Marital status
Single 7.5
Married 75.0
Divorced 7.5
Widowed 10.0
Occupation
Farming with other occupation 27.5
Farming only 72.5
Level of Education
No formal Education 30.0
Adult literacy 9.2
Primary Education 24.2
Secondary Education 24.2
Tertiary Education 12.4

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Table 2: Parameters Estimated for the Logistic Regression Model
Variable β S. E Dt Sig. Expβ
Sex -0.7787 0.467 1 0.096* 0.459
Marital status 0.003 0.220 1 0.986 0.997
No. of dependent 0.047 0.054 1 0.388 0.954
Occupation 0.872 0.521 1 0.094* 0.418
Level of education 0.327 0.157 1 0.037* 1.387
Age 0.007 0.034 1 0.847 1.007
Farm size 0.040 0.097 1 0.678 1.041
Years of grain production 0.087 0.057 1 0.125 1.091
Constant 0.777 1.462 1 0.595 2.176
Model Chi- square 17.214

21og likelihood for the model 138.173

Overall case correctly predicted 70.0%

* Co-efficient significant at 5%

Source: Data Analysis, 2008

63

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